Project GS06ZSGR: Sea turtles in Greece

The Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), is one of the three species of sea turtle that can be found in the Mediterranean Sea and the only one that nests in Greece.

Project

Volunteer work with sea turtles in Greece. The sea turtle project is an organization founded in 1994 with the aim to protect sea turtles and their habitats in Greece, as well as to raise awareness among the public about the dangers they face and lobby for the implementation of the measures needed for their protection in a short and long-term basis.

Each project has a coordinator who is assisted by seasonal personnel (field leaders). Field leaders and other experienced members of the project are responsible for allocating duties, training and supervising volunteers. The Official language of communication on the project site is English. Knowledge of other languages like German can also prove to be very useful for public awareness purposes.

On arrival you will get an introduction. The work depends on where you will be placed by the project. If you would like to help in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (all year round), for example your tasks may be:

To treat and rehabilitate injured, sick or weak sea turtles: preparation and administration of food, carrying and cleaning the animals, as well as cleaning the facilities and equipment, daily treatment of the animals as determined by the vets (administering medication, cleaning wounds) as well as taking biometric data and making behavior observations.

Activities include the exhibition area and providing information to visitors.

To operate a Sea Turtle Rescue Network throughout Greece: collection and transport of injured turtles. (If you possess a driving licence please do not neglect to bring it along).

Basic maintenance activities as well as cleaning of surroundings and living quarters.

If you would like to help in seasonal fieldwork (1st May-31Oct.), for example your tasks may be:

In Athens, accommodation will be offered in a nice apartment not far from the reception center. There is a bathroom and kitchen available, which you will share with other volunteers. For fieldwork projects you will stay on campsites, reserved for the project volunteers only, with outdoor very basic sanitary and cooking facilities, which you will share with other volunteers. It is absolutely necessary to bring along your own camping gear like sleeping bag and tent. Family volunteering, contact info@globalspirit.nl for the accommodation options.

Minimum age for participation is 18 and fors ome project also participants with children (8 jaar – 18 years old) are welcome (family volunteering).

Volunteers must be able to communicate in English.

Long term participation is highly appreciated.

There are no required vaccinations for this project but vaccinations for DTP and Hepatitis A are advised (for additional vaccines and/or information we advise you to contact or visit your local clinic).

Global Spirit is an organization that has been committed to and provides assistance to nature organizations in different parts of the world for almost 15 years. By sending volunteers to these organizations they are not only helped financially, but also by manpower.